Making a presentation to the RAC or Board
How you can get involved in the RAC & Wildlife Board public process
Your presentation should include three parts:
- An Introduction
- Thank the chair and members.
- State your name and title.
- State the name of the organization that you represent (don't use acronyms).
- State the duration of your presentation.
- Describe any written materials that you have or will furnish.
- Your message
- State your viewpoint first. ("I/We support/oppose etc.").
- Explain why. Illustrations and supporting information are helpful.
- Don't presume that RAC members understand the issue or proposal. Provide context and background.
- Questions
- Plan on using at least one-third of your time to respond to questions.
- Be prepared. Think through and anticipate questions that you might be asked.
Four suggestions to enhance your testimony
- Know your audience
- The members of the committee are "normal people" with an interest in wildlife issues. In addition to their public service, they have full-time jobs. They are farmers, public employees, doctors, lawyers, homemakers, craftsmen, and a host of other occupations and professionals. They are a cross-section of Utah society.
- They are your neighbors and friends. Be courteous.
- Don't accuse committee members of causing your particular problem.
- Resist the temptation to scold, put down, or insult the decision-makers or other witnesses. This tactic will likely alienate them from you cause.
- Know the issue
- Support you personal opinions with clear, understandable facts.
- Be knowledgeable of the "other side of the story." You may be asked to discuss the differences.
- Draw from your own knowledge and experience.
- Be familiar with the committee process
- Know the meeting time and location. Meeting times and locations are found on the meeting agenda.
- Agendas are posted 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
- Check to make sure the issue you are following has not been removed from the agenda.
- Be aware that agenda items may not be heard in the order in which they appear.
- If possible, attend a committee meeting before you testify to become familiar with the process.
- Prepare your written testimony and oral presentation
- Give copies of your testimony to the committee members or staff before you begin your presentation.
- Begin your presentation by addressing the chairperson first, then members of the committee. "Chairman (woman) __________, members of the committee, etc."
- For the record, state your name, address, and the organization or group you represent.
- State your purpose for testifying. Do not read your testimony to the committee word for word. Prepare and outline.
- Be prepared to summarize you testimony in one minute — that may be all the time you are allowed.
- Thank the committee members and offer to answer any questions.
- When a member asks you a question, respond: "Chairman (woman) (use last name) or Mr./Ms. (last name), the answer to your question is..."
- Relax! The committee understands that this can be an intimidating experience — they don't expect a perfect presentation.